We all can be a voice for others

12:15 PM,
May 7, 2014

Thankful mom: Mary Cruz, right, with her son, Pedro, who was diagnosed as having autism. Courtesy Mary Cruz

Written by

Mary Cruz

As we have concluded Autism Awareness Month (April), I wanted to take the opportunity to enlighten those about our special children diagnosed with autism, whether by providing insight into a world unknown to you or to help you understand what already exists in our island community.

Not that our islanders are naive, but we must admit that we tend to shy away from the unknown or misunderstood. Even worse, some of us have grown comfortable awkwardly staring or making comments that are hurtful and unnecessary.

When my youngest son, Pedro, was diagnosed with autism at a tender 2-1/2 years, I ...